Cardinals Appear Focused on Trading Down in NFL Draft

Head coach Mike LaFleur's comments suggest Arizona is not in love with any top prospects at No. 3 overall.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:35pm

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At the NFL owners meetings, Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur provided insight into the team's plans for the upcoming draft. LaFleur's comments indicate the Cardinals are not strongly committed to selecting a quarterback with the 3rd overall pick, and may instead look to trade down and acquire additional draft capital. The team appears content with the roster moves made in free agency and is not feeling pressure to reach for a player at the top of the draft.

Why it matters

The Cardinals' approach to the draft could have significant implications for the top of the order, as their decision to trade down would open up new possibilities for teams looking to move up and select a quarterback. This story provides valuable insight into Arizona's thinking as the draft approaches.

The details

In his media session, LaFleur was noncommittal about the team's plans for the 3rd overall pick, noting that they had discussions about "everything" regarding quarterback Kyler Murray's departure but that he was never seriously considered to return. LaFleur also downplayed the team's interest in Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, saying their 18-minute combine interview was "surface level." The coach suggested the Cardinals feel good about the roster moves they've made in free agency, indicating they may not feel compelled to reach for a player at the top of the draft.

  • The 2026 NFL owners meetings took place this week.
  • The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Mike LaFleur

Head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

Monti Ossenfort

General manager of the Arizona Cardinals.

Kyler Murray

Former quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals who was recently released by the team.

Ty Simpson

Quarterback prospect from the University of Alabama who has been linked to the Cardinals.

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What they’re saying

“We had discussions, Monti [Ossenfort] and I. We'll keep it at that. I'm not going to discuss what was discussed with Kyler and that group, but definitely had discussions about everything. You name it, we were talking about it.”

— Mike LaFleur, Head Coach, Arizona Cardinals

“Like I've said about Kyler, a lot of respect for him. Wish him the best. Did some good stuff here but sometimes it's time for change for both sides. Again, wish him the best. Will never wish ill will on anybody.”

— Mike LaFleur, Head Coach, Arizona Cardinals

“Good dude. You get 18 minutes [in the combine interview]. With a quarterback you need about 18 hours, like 18 days in a row. It was a good 18 minutes getting to know him. It was surface level.”

— Mike LaFleur, Head Coach, Arizona Cardinals

What’s next

The Cardinals will continue their draft preparations in the coming weeks, with the 2026 NFL Draft scheduled for April. Their approach to the 3rd overall pick will be closely watched, as a decision to trade down could have significant implications for the top of the draft order.

The takeaway

The Cardinals appear content with their roster moves in free agency and may not feel compelled to reach for a top prospect at #3 overall. Head coach Mike LaFleur's comments suggest the team is open to trading down and acquiring additional draft capital, rather than locking in on a specific player. This flexibility could create opportunities for teams looking to move up in the draft, especially for a quarterback.